1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
